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Friday, April 30, 2010

During the thirty-fifth edition of the nation's leading tourist event in Mexico, using their new slogan "Paradise is forever", it was announced that the Riviera Maya has become the number one tourist destination of this country.

This ranking is based on the diversity of market segments in addition to significant growth of hotel infrastructure which currently stands at 37,800 rooms. This year, the destination has done negotiations with some of the most important US Tour Operators including: Mark Travel, Go Go Travel and Apple Vacations. With this deal, the Riviera has “fully entered” into the US market. This segment was dominated by Cancun only two years ago.

In 2010, the Riviera Maya has consolidated this market and also has established a growth plan to increase the United States tourists flow.

In an interview, Javier Aranda, responsible for the promotion of this destination said that must put aside the myth that the Riviera Maya is only for high-spending tourism, that there is something for everybody, “..diversification is the key” he said. He also explained that the promotional campaign has worked with many segments like Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

One of the primary objectives of the Riviera Maya promotional department is to keep captive the European market, as has happened in the past 10 years, and generate strategies to capture more U.S. visitors.

In just three years, the Riviera Maya has displaced Cancun as the Number 1 tourist destination in Mexico and continues to be the highest rated, most liked of all Mexican Destinations.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Yaxche is a unique experience and you'll most probably eat something here you've never tried before. It is located in Playa del Carmen on the corner of the striking 5th avenue and 22nd street.

This restaurant with gourmet food that fully expresses the flavors of the Mayan culture. Their dishes use many local ingredients that the Maya have used since ancient times. The creative menu inspires you to experience flavors that will surprise and excite your taste buds.

The restaurant design is inspired by the ancient temples of the old cities. You'll see many beautiful examples of columns, reliefs, masks, and murals of the Mayan world. Yaxche is an exceptional and award winning restaurant with excellent service and an attention to detail. http://www.mayacuisine.com/

Monday, April 26, 2010

Located in Playa Del Carmen, Angel Notion is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and donations to provide education, medical aid, and opportunities for people of lesser means and special needs.

The diversity of this population and the presence of epidemiological factors specific to the citizens of Quintana Roo impose unique requirements on a health care system. Statistics from the Institute of National Health in Mexico identify diabetes as the #1 cause of death, and cardiac and obstetrical diseases among the most important contributors to death and disability. Congenital heart disease appears to occur with a significantly higher frequency than it does in the rest of North America. The existing publicly funded health care system does not have the capacity to provide access to health care for the rapidly growing numbers of citizens and does not have the first world resources increasingly desired by citizens. Private, for profit hospitals are proliferating to take advantage of aspects of this market but many citizens are people of lesser means, unable to afford for profit health care.

The Vision of Angel Notion is to provide the disabled children of Playa del Carmen with:

• Customized medical attention and rehabilitation to achieve physical and mental capacities of functioning that could not otherwise be reached • Specialized treatment and surgery • Seminars on Life Skills to promote independence in day-to-day living • Seminars on Work Skills to enhance opportunity for job placement • Love, support and guidance as they find their own way in the community and society at large.

The Association has a Pediatric Cardiology program, with the necesity to help repair, at a very low cost, broken hearts of babies and children who are at risk of dying. During all this time we have been able to save 120 children's lives in Quintana Roo, and other states of Mexico.

There are many different areas for volunteers to be involved in many areas and receive lunch and 50% discount off clinic services.

Angel Notion has the support and generous donations from businesses and individuals of this community and the world. There are many ways to help: you can sponsor a child providing the funds for an urgent surgery such as open heart surgery or sponsor the clinic to buy medicine, medical supplies, medical equipment, computers, maintenance supplies.http://angelnotion.org/

Recently Maroma Resort and Spa, one of the most exquisite jewels of the exclusive Orient-Express chain welcomed the major figures of international stature. Such is the case of the famous designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, founders of one of the most recognized worldwide Italian fashion’s brand with an extensive network of boutiques located around the world, the designs of D&G are very popular among Hollywood celebrities. These major fashion designers enjoyed a memorable stay. They comment that the reason for their trip was to try to find inspiration for their next collection, showing real interest in textile designs and accessories 100% hand made by artisans from the region offered at the Maroma boutique, where purchases made will be part of the future fashion shows.

Marta Sanchez, one of Spain’s most popular pop singers with more sales around the world, enjoyed a stay in Maroma in company of her daughter and her mother, the reason for her visit was her attending, as special guest, the Elton John concert that took place in Chichen Itza and at the same time for a photo shoot on property for a reknown magazine. During her stay Marta enjoyed the facilities of the hotel and its beautiful beach, leaving extraordinary comments about their experience.

Another great personality who enjoyed a family holiday is Mario Batali, a great chef who can also organize and operate a business or kitchen. He has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Gourmet Magazine, The New Yorker, Oprah Winfrey show, ABC Nightline, The today Show, Good Morning America and he can also be seen waging battle in the Kitchen stadium and holds the honor of most wins on Iron Chef American History.(soruce: Hola Riviera Maya)

Friday, April 23, 2010

Only nature in its perfection can prove that magic exists, and it thrills and bewitches us throughout every corner of Xel-Ha. The place where the waters are born is a tropical scenario of astonishing beauty, now officially acknowledged as a Natural Wonder of Mexico, where a turquoise lagoon, a gentle flowing river, and the exuberant jungle meet by the sea.

Xel-Ha is an aquatic paradise unique in the world. With a mask and snorkel you can swim amongst hundreds of multicoloured fish that have made the river and inlet their home.

The emerald-green jungle surrounding the river and lagoon creates an exotic landscape unimaginable anywhere else in the world. You can explore this Natural Wonder on foot, bicycle or train, and admire a variety of plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Xel-Ha is a universe dedicated to ecology and to the preservation of native flora and fauna. The park houses a turtle camp, its own dolphin lagoon, a family of manatees in the inlet, and an apiary; all these areas promote species' preservation, with the intention of safe-keeping and achieving a better understanding of the region.

It is only a few minutes away from the mysterious Mayan ruins of Tulum; its location makes it ideal for visiting both places the same day. It is located 24 miles south of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The new beachfront restaurant is located at 10th Street & The Beach, just steps from the resort's famous shopping area of 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

The Wicky’s concept was developed by Denver-based Craig Caldwell and Jerry Napolitan, founders of Playa Development LLC. Mr. Caldwell has developed multiple highly successful restaurant concepts in Denver while both developers have been actively investing in Playa del Carmen real estate for over nine eight years. As the restaurant is located at the base of the El Faro Lighthouse in Playa, the owners named the restaurant "Wicky's" after the name of lighthouse keepers who trimmed the "wicks" of the kerosene lamps to provide the light in the lighthouse.

Wicky’s Restaurant boasts the most exclusive beach front location overlooking the turquoise seas of the Caribbean. Guests can dine on Wicky's seaside terrace or dine inside the air-conditioned restaurant accommodating up to 150 people for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an additional 350 people servicing the poolside and beach club area. Wicky's will serve a hearty buffet breakfast with a Bloody Mary & Screwdriver Bar while lunch will feature light fares and healthy alternatives. Outside on the beach, Wicky's Beach Club & Grill features Playa's only award-winning Kansas City Pit style smoked barbecue, serving barbecue sandwiches and burgers with a variety of wicked cocktails. The atmosphere transforms during dinner hours to an elegant fine dining seaside experience serving prime USDA and dry-aged steaks, fresh market seafood and a wine cellar featuring over 350 wines worldwide. For late night entertainment, Wicky's introduces an exclusive high energy dueling piano show with international entertainers "dueling" on their baby grands. Wicky's professional customer service will be unsurpassed with a bilingual staff to assure guest expectations are exceeded.(source: Playa Maya News)http://www.wickysplayadelcarmen.com/

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

There are a lot of places to go and things to do in the Zona Maya (Mayan zone), delicious beverages, fresh air, lagoons and cenotes (sink holes),with crystal clear waters and of course Mayan ruins, historical remains from an ancient culture, that it's still alive nowadays. You can have a great family day visiting all the places the Mayan Zone has to offer, Museums, archaeological zones, colonial churches lagoons and cenotes , places where anyone can spend the hole day.

You can make arrangements and take a jungle tour, where you will see all the wildlife and biodiversity Quintana Roo has. Before going to the jungle, you can have a superb breakfast, prepared with all the delicacies the state has to offer.

Local people are often nice and and warm, they are also wonderful hosts willing to share their culture and traditions. They are skillful cooks, preparing traditional Mayan food with recipes passed down through generations where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Mayan dishes.

Colorful and traditional, the city of Carrillo Puerto has nice hotels where you can spend the night, so you can head early in the morning to Chunyaxche and Muyil, in the northern part of the municipality.

These towns are famous for their beautiful Mayan ruins and the lagoon, a place where ancient Mayans carved and traced canals.

Going down to “La lagarera” natural reserve we can ride a bicycle throughout its natural hills and then have a pleasant pic nic in Nueva Loria.

Lagoons like Balam and Laguna Azul offer beautiful crystal clear waters, full of flora and fauna where you can spend the day in a unmatchable natural place.

And finally, the natural reserve of Sian Kan 'an , where you can camp at night, and visit the ceremonial sites of Tixcacal guardia, Chanca Veracruz and the sanctuary of “De la cruz parlante” that form the ritual attractive where you can see the Mayan customs and traditions. (Source: The International.com)

The owner, Gerardo Valades, opened this restaurant 15 years ago in the now famous fifth avenue, to delight both locals and tourists.

An important part of the success he has had during the years, is undoubtedly because of Chef Eduardo Beltral .

With 20 years of experience joined Gerado in this project since 1996.The menu is full of international and Mexican food. The Chef recommends the Falafel with a Mexican twist.If you are an early bird and enjoy good food, Tropical Restaurant is the ideal place for you, great coffee and a variety of freshly squeezed juice await you on fifth avenue between 8th and 10th in Playa del Carmen.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Sacred Mayan Journey will take place on 20,21 and 22 May this year. In this important sporting event involved people from many nationalities have been prepared for four months.

To recreate the Sacred Mayan Journey in such traditional sites as Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in order to re-establish an ancient practice. In the long run, it can form both a link to a cultural identity on many levels for the region's inhabitants, as well as an attraction for local, national and international tourism.

The ancient Maya greatly venerated Ixchel, goddess of the Moon, the tides and fertility. Every year they would go on a pilgrimage to visit her at her principle sanctuary on the island of Cozumel. The main departure point was Polé (today's Xcaret), whence they would cross the channel in wooden canoes.

Around 500 BC the pilgrimages to her oracle in the island of Cuzamil, today's Cozumel, departed from the most remote cities in the Mayan world. The ports as Xamanhá, today's Playa del Carmen, and Polé, served as a bridge to cross the deep waters of the Caribbean and venerate Ixchel. By the mid 16th Century, the navigation to the Indies was prohibited by the Spanish crown and the shrine of Ixchel disappeared.

This project was founded more than three years ago by Xcaret together with Cozumel and Solidaridad municipalities. Recovered from the written glyphs, narrated by the Chroniclers of the Indies and interpreted by the Maya culture specialists, today, Ixchel's depiction helps us understand the intimate connection between the natural forces and the human nature. About 300 oarsmen made the contemporary history of this sacred journey, showing the world what discipline, attitude, faith and teamwork accomplish. The Sacred Mayan Journey is a shining example for Mexico to follow.

To guarantee the safety of boats and the canoeists is counted with the support of the Harbor, Naval Sector, Tourism Police and Civil Protection of Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen will again to enjoy the perfect stage of musical notes of the most distinguished representatives of international music with the first performance on the beach May 29th in Mamita’s Beach.

Performers Caro Montes, Phil Perry and Brian McKnight, will experience the charm of playing in this spectacular place.

The festival takes place in November, but this year they are going to have 3 performers for a one day only event on the 29th of May.

Mamita's Beach is the place to celebrate this season the beginning of the Jazz Festival, with its spectacular views and strategic location. This site will host concerts where both locals and tourists will be able to enjoy the Rhythm & Blues.

The evolution of Jazz Festival in the Riviera Maya has been going on for 8 years, influenced by the quality of the artists who have performed in this event. Nowadays, this festival is considered one of the most important events in its type in the world.

The Mexican singer, Caro Montes will be responsible for opening the Jazz Festival on 29 May. She performed in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009 sharing the stage with Fernando and Eugenio Toussaint, Luis Conte, Dirk Freymuth and Mark Anderson.

The second guest will be Phil Perry, a talented exponent of Smooth Jazz, who has shown his ability to interpret classic songs, as well as being an excellent songwriter, and has become one of the most beloved artists of our time. He has been working with major music icons like Leon Haywood, Anita Baker, Dave Koz, George Duke, Barbara Streisand, Roberta Flack. Johnny Mathis, Bill Withers, The Pointer Sisters, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Womack, Wil Downing, Johnny Mathis and Bill Withers.

To close the event on this day, the perform of Brian McKnight, producer, composer and singer, born in the late sixties in a family of musicians from Buffalo, USA. He began his musical career playing local gigs and writing original pieces. His first single "The Way Love Goes," was a hit on the chart.. He has 16 Grammy nominations, as well as working with music personalities as Mase, Puff Daddy, Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Williams, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men or Quincy Jones. Brian is a musician known for his versatility as he plays the piano, trumpet, electric and acoustic guitar.

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